Bob Baker's The Buzz Factor

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December 15, 2008

Quincy Jones on Music Career Success

There's a great interview with music legend Quincy Jones in the January issue of Success magazine. As you may know, Jones is an American music impresario, conductor, record producer, arranger, film composer, and trumpeter. In the article he shares some timeless keys to success.

During five decades in the entertainment industry, Jones has earned a record 79 Grammy Award nominations (with 27 Grammy wins). He is perhaps best known as the producer of Michael Jackson's Thriller album, which has sold 104 million copies, and as the producer and conductor of the charity song "We Are the World."

Here are three gems on success from the article:

1) Combine your emotional passion with concrete work and education

Jones points out that the dictionary is the only place where "success" precedes "work" -- because it's alphabetical. "You have to get off your butt and do it," he says. "You have to have a core skill and study all aspects of it. The emotional side will drive you, but the science is what will prepare you."

2) Let obstacles become your inspiration

Like most success stories, Jones has had his share of challenges -- financial failures, a near-fatal cerebral aneurysm, etc. He says when faced with such dilemmas, everyone has a choice in how to deal with them.

"You can see darkness or light," he says. "I've always chosen light."

3) Success is sweetest if it expands over a lifetime

Jones has immersed himself in a wide variety of roles and styles within music. And at age 75, he has no plans of slowing down. Don't limit yourself to one area of expertise, he suggests. Expand, grow and explore throughout your entire life and career.

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What About Bob?

Bob Baker is an author, speaker, teacher, indie musician and former music magazine editor dedicated to showing musicians of all kinds how to get exposure, connect with fans, sell more music, and increase their incomes.